Hayden Panettiere’s Ex-Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Was at Scene of Her Death, Police Report Reveals
Actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, passed away in South Carolina on August 16, 2026. A police report reveals her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson was present. Details emerge on the tragic cardiac arrest, her tumultuous relationship, and her recent memoir addressing addiction and abuse.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of beloved actress and singer Hayden Panettiere, who died unexpectedly at the age of 36 on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The former child star, celebrated for her iconic roles as Claire Bennet in NBC's Heroes and Juliette Barnes in ABC/CMT's Nashville, was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment. Adding a sombre layer to the tragedy, a police report reveals that her controversial on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was at the scene when emergency services arrived. Hayden Panettiere Dies: ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ Star Passes Away at 36, Father Shares Emotional Statement.
Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Was With Her When She Died
According to a heavily redacted police report obtained by NBC News, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex where Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest. Officer Matthew Bryan, the responding officer, noted in the report that Zach Hickerson was "very emotional" as emergency medical services (EMS) worked tirelessly to save the actress. However, the report highlights a striking detail: Brian Hickerson reportedly "did not become visibly emotional until Panettiere was declared dead."
The 911 call that brought first responders to the scene was made by the Hickerson brothers. Police also indicated that Brian Hickerson showed them a "bag of medication" that Panettiere was reportedly taking at the time of her death. CCTV footage also confirms Panettiere and the Hickerson brothers entering and exiting the apartment.
Investigation Underway as Cause of Death Remains Pending
Panettiere was pronounced deceased at 2:31 p.m. after extensive life-saving measures by EMS proved unsuccessful. The Greenville County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy the following day, Monday, August 17, 2026, and reported "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death." While preliminary investigations have shown no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, her official cause of death is pending further investigation.
Dispatch audio from the 911 call suggested Panettiere was in cardiac arrest and the caller suspected it was the result of an overdose.
A Tumultuous Relationship and Recent Memoir Release
Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson shared a tumultuous, on-again, off-again relationship that began in 2018. Their relationship was marked by multiple allegations of domestic violence, leading to Hickerson's arrest on several occasions. In 2021, he was sentenced to 45 days in county jail after pleading no contest to felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend.
Just months before her passing, in May 2026, Panettiere released her candid memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. In the book, she openly discussed her struggles with postpartum depression and substance abuse, which led to her taking a hiatus from acting. She also addressed the abusive nature of her relationship with Hickerson, stating she was "more afraid of being alone than being abused."
Legacy of a Talented Star
Born on August 21, 1989, Hayden Panettiere would have celebrated her 37th birthday just days after her untimely death. Beyond Heroes and Nashville, she was also known for her role as Kirby Reed in the Scream franchise, most recently appearing in Scream VI in 2023. Her last film role was in the 2026 psychological thriller Sleepwalker. Hayden Panettiere Dead: Actress’ Video Exposing Hollywood on Jay Shetty’s Podcast Goes Viral; Fans Question Cause of Death.
Panettiere is survived by her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. The actress also endured the loss of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who passed away in February 2023 at the age of 28 due to heart complications. Brian Hickerson's social media profile was reportedly deleted the day after Panettiere's death.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2026 11:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
